Spanish · A2 · Everyday language
Different but Equal in Spanish
In Spanish, we use specific structures to compare things that are equal or to show that something doesn't quite measure up to another. This is essential for talking about preferences and everyday items with your child.
What you'll learn
- Express equality using 'tan... como'
- Express inequality using 'no tan... como'
- Describe similarities between people and objects
- Compare activities like sports and hobbies
Spanish phrases for different but equal
Tu mochila es tan pesada como la mía.
Your backpack is as heavy as mine.
Uses 'tan... como' for equality.
Tu póster es tan colorido como el de Mia.
Your poster is just as colourful as Mia's.
'El de Mia' means 'the one of Mia'.
Este juego no es tan difícil como ese.
This game is not as difficult as that one.
Negative comparison using 'no tan'.
Eres tan alto como tu primo.
You are just as tall as your cousin.
Adjectives like 'alto' must match the person's gender.
Tu habitación no está tan ordenada como la cocina.
Your room is not as tidy as the kitchen.
Uses 'está' because tidiness is a temporary state.
Montar en bici es tan divertido como nadar.
Cycling is as fun as swimming.
Used to compare two activities (verbs).
Tu idea es tan buena como la mía.
Your idea is just as good as mine.
'Tan buena como' is a common way to give praise.
Esta película no es tan emocionante como el libro.
This film is not as exciting as the book.
Comparing two different types of media.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
tan
as / so
Used before adjectives or adverbs in comparisons.
como
as / like
The second part of the 'as... as' structure.
pesada
heavy
Feminine form to match 'mochila'.
ordenada
tidy / organized
From the verb 'ordenar'.
Comparisons of Equality
To say something is 'as [adjective] as' something else, use the formula: tan + adjective + como. The adjective must agree in gender and number with the first noun.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Equality | tan + adj + como | tan rápido como (as fast as) |
| Inequality | no tan + adj + como | no tan grande como (not as big as) |
More examples
La manzana es tan dulce como la pera.
The apple is as sweet as the pear.
Example of food comparison.
Mi perro no es tan travieso como el tuyo.
My dog is not as naughty as yours.
A common way to compare pets.